Riding a bike into cold rain and stiff headwinds--
maybe grumbling a bit about the day's weather--
I realize how lucky I am to be able to do this.

Lucky that mind still commands body, and body obeys.

Image:  My grandfather, one leg gone, sits in
             an armchair while I do his yard work.

Image:  My father, illness erasing his ability to
             do anything--even swallow.
              
These and other memories drift across consciousness.

                              **************************

Complaining about life and the ways of the world. How much time have I
wasted thinking this way? I now see how fortunate I have been and still am,
when

a kitchen timer goes off. Aromas of toasted wheat perfume the house. I
walk to the oven, admire and, then, with hands and arms, lift bread from a
baking stone

still able to imagine

the shared meals it will provide!


© by David M. Tookey.
Used here with the author's permission.